Fallon to Replace Conan as Late Night Host

NBC wasn’t expected to announce it until next month, but word has leaked to Fox News that Jimmy Fallon is set to take Conan O’Brien’s job as host of “Late Night” in 2009 when O’Brien takes over “The Tonight Show” from Jay Leno, who is leaving as host in May, 2009.

Fox News‘ Roger Friedman writes:

There’s much debate about letting Leno leave NBC etc., but right now let’s just concentrate on Jimmy. He’s the perfect successor to Conan and should have just as big an audience when he takes the reins. Fallon is one of those great underrated performers. This should be the right milieu for him.

Fallon, who recently married producer Nancy Juvonen, is said to be thrilled and ready, if not a little scared, about taking Conan’s desk. He still has to pick a producer and a band, among other things.